The evolution of the financial market in recent years has led to the emergence of service providers, which capitalise on new brokers entering the market in search of profiting opportunities. 

Consequently, this has lowered the barrier to brokerage enterprises, enabling them to cater to specific market segments. The growth in the sector has seen the growth of players who offer white label (WL) technologies or operate as introducing brokers (IBs). But how do these entities differ?

Here, we delve into the differences between these two types of operators and help you determine the best model for your business.

The Concept of White Label Brokers

White labelling is a business strategy that involves delivering pre-configured software and applications which can be easily rebranded and tailored to the broker's preferences. Many FX brokers use white-label solutions to save time and money on development.

White label broker's objective to bring traders to their own distinctive firm by using infrastructure created by another company. As part of this journey, WL enters into a contractual agreement with the technology provider. This enables white-label companies to gain access to the trading platform, albeit under a different brand name.

Utilising a white-label broker enables brokers to access pre-existing trading software, which can be tailored to your business needs, including payment mechanisms, trading markets, financial instruments, and more.

Creating these systems internally necessitates more time, especially if you lack a team of experienced developers. Contrastingly, partnering with a reputable white label service provider can help build a trading system with the desired features and specifications, with the costs varying based on the complexity of the system and the degree of customisation required.

The Concept of Introducing Brokers

Introducing brokers serve as conduits between brokerage businesses and investors. They work to bridge the gap between clients and brokers by introducing potential customers to brokerage firms.

Hence, IBs carry the burden of marketing, attracting institutional investors and traders, presenting your trading products, and persuading your target audience to register and initiate trading on your platform.

In compensation for expanding your client base, introducing brokers charge commission fees based on the number of registered clients or investment volume. The role of the introducing broker does not extend to trading decisions or operations of FX brokers; instead, they focus on linking the brokerage firm with new clients.

IB vs WL Business Model

Both models significantly enhance the operations and market accessibility of the brokerage firm, fostering a wider reach to serve a larger client base. Below is a comparative analysis of their workings:

Overall Comparison

Introducing brokers serves as intermediaries between institutional investors and brokerage firms, expanding investors' financial portfolios and earning commissions for every client they introduce.

Alternatively, white-label brokers use technological solutions tailored to the broker's specific needs, including customisable trading platforms and systems.

Technology and Software

Providers of turnkey solutions deal with complex technologies, encompassing not just the development, but also the setup and maintenance of trading systems, payment gateways, email services, investment options, and market access, among others.

In contrast, introducing brokers bank on their communication and networking acumen to identify and bring new clients to the broker's platform, employing the standard systems and technology to offer services to these new clients.

Adaptability and Growth Potential

Forex white label solutions offer exceptional adaptability, tailored to the unique business requirements of the broker. They readily adjust to the scalability alterations should the provider augment or reduce their service bandwidth.

Conversely, introducing brokers is bounded by the service bundle and trading commodities provided by the brokerage firm. Therefore, the only growth avenue for IBs is broadening their network of newly onboarded traders and investors.

Incurred Costs

Turnkey service providers levy charges upfront, fluctuating based on the desired specifications and features by the brokerage firm. Furthermore, white-label providers propose a variety of pricing models, catering to brokers with diverse budgets and aims.

In contrast, IBs operate on a commission structure agreed upon with the brokerage firm, predicated on the number of enlisted investors or their trading expenditure.

Final Thoughts

White label providers and introducing brokers play integral roles in the success of FX brokerage platforms. While the former offers employ solutions such as trading software and payment systems, the latter facilitates the connection between brokerage firms and end-users.